Stolen Prosthetic Leg Returned To St. Pete Crash Victim's Family

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — A prosthetic leg valued at $15,000 that went missing when a 49-year-old St. Petersburg man was hit by a car Monday night has been returned to its owner, St. Pete police said.

Detectives said after the widespread social media and media coverage of the missing prosthetic leg, a man called police and told them where to find it. Officers found the prosthesis behind a laundromat hidden among some discarded items Tuesday. It has been returned to the victim's wife.

The wife of the 49-year-old victim sent a statement to the St. Petersburg Police Department: " We are truly thankful to Officer Weiskoph who worked through the night to find us, and through the day to find the prosthetic. Words can't express how thankful we are to everyone who helped."

Christopher Allen Harris' prosthetic leg was stolen Monday night after it was loosened from his body when he was hit by a car on Fifth Avenue North, the St. Petersburg Police Department said.

Harris was walking in the crosswalk on Fifth Avenue North near 49th Street North when a 2004 Infinity G35 driven by a 21-year-old St. Pete man hit A, investigators said. Harris suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to Bayfront Health, where he was last listed as in critical condition.

The impact of the car caused Harris' prosthetic leg to disconnect from his body, and it struck another vehicle traveling eastbound on Fifth Avenue North. Both drivers stopped and cooperated with police, according to authorities.

Unfortunately, Harris' prosthetic leg was taken before officers got to the crash location.

Harris' prosthetic leg is customized with Marvel artwork.

Traffic investigators do not believe alcohol or drugs played a role in the crash, but the investigation is ongoing.